Bioinformatics, Vol 15, 593-606, Copyright © 1999 by Oxford University Press
L Mendoza, D Thieffry and ER Alvarez-Buylla
MOTIVATION: A large number of molecular mechanisms at the basis of gene
regulation have been described during the last few decades. It is now
becoming possible to address questions dealing with both the structure and
the dynamics of genetic regulatory networks, at least in the case of some
of the best-characterized organisms. Most recent attempts to address these
questions deal with microbial or animal model systems. In contrast, we
analyze here a gene network involved in the control of the morphogenesis of
flowers in a model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana. RESULTS: The genetic
control of flower morphogenesis in Arabidopsis involves a large number of
genes, of which 10 are considered here. The network topology has been
derived from published genetic and molecular data, mainly relying on mRNA
expression patterns under wild-type and mutant backgrounds. Using a
'generalized logical formalism', we provide a qualitative model and derive
the parameter constraints accounting for the different patterns of gene
expression found in the four floral organs of Arabidopsis (sepals, petals,
stamens and carpels), plus a 'non-floral' state. This model also allows the
simulation or the prediction of various mutant phenotypes. On the basis of
our model analysis, we predict the existence of a sixth stable pattern of
gene expression, yet to be characterized experimentally. Moreover, our
dynamical analysis leads to the prediction of at least one more regulator
of the gene LFY, likely to be involved in the transition from the
non-flowering state to the flowering pathways. Finally, this work, together
with other theoretical and experimental considerations, leads us to propose
some general conclusions about the structure of gene networks controlling
development.
ARTICLES
Genetic control of flower morphogenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana: a logical analysis
Instituto de Ecologia, UNAM, Ap. Postal 70-275, Coyoacan, DF, CP04510, Mexico. lams@servidor.unam.mx
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